Tampa Police have arrested 15-year-old Jahmir Moore in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Jevario Buie.
On April 17, 2024, just after 3:30 pm, officers responded to reports of gunfire near the 1400 block of W. Busch Blvd. Upon arrival, they found Jevario near the railroad tracks between Busch Blvd. and Rome Ave., where he died from his injuries.
Video surveillance footage from nearby residences revealed Buie, Moore, and another subject were walking together between 2:41 p.m. and 3:27 p.m.
At 3:33 p.m., Moore and Buie were observed on video walking northbound on N Rome Ave towards a dead end near the scene. Moore was the last person known to have been with Buie minutes before the murder happened.
At 3:36 p.m., Moore is seen walking westbound and southbound, away from the scene. Jevario is not seen with Moore.
Through investigative means, detectives were able to find records of Moore communicating with Buie before the murder, as well as social media messages, notes, and search history, all implicating his involvement. In one of the messages exchanged on a social media platform, Moore also disclosed details that were not publicly available at the time.
On December 4, 2024, members of the Tampa Police Department, working in partnership with the US Marshals Task Force, took Moore into custody.
Moore has been charged with One Felony Count of Murder in the First Degree.
“The loss of a child, especially in such a tragic manner, is unfathomable,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “I am incredibly appreciative of our detectives' hard work that led to this arrest, but most importantly brought closure for Jevario’s mother and his family.”
"This has been a difficult journey for Jevario's family. Not only did they lose their precious son, but they also had been living without answers. Now, our prosecutors will be able to hold his killer accountable and seek justice for Jevario,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “This defendant will be charged as an adult in this case. When you make adult decisions, you must be prepared to face adult consequences in Hillsborough County. Thank you to the Tampa Police Department for their tireless efforts in investigating this case."
Chief Lee Bercaw held a press conference following the arrest of Moore. To watch the press conference: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15GLjrnAzE/